Vico Sotto probed for possible quarantine rules violation

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday asked Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto to explain his possible violation of the Bayanihan Heal as One Act for proposing that tricycle drivers be exempted from the public transportation ban.

“They’re asking for an explanation…,” Sotto said in a post on Twitter. “We complied with all directives. It is not illegal to air an opinion.”

He also pointed out that the law he allegedly violated was passed on March 24, days after he made his appeal for continuous tricycle operations. He had said that it would be better for public health although he ultimately dropped his proposal after being rebuked by government officials.

Sotto is so far the highest-ranking official to be summoned by the law enforcement agency, NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin told reporters. A Barangay Talon Uno official in Las Piñas City was also asked to explain after constituents complained they had yet to receive relief goods.

Lavin and Anti-Graft Division (AGD) executive officer Marlon Tauli, who personally delivered the letter to Sotto on Wednesday afternoon, clarified that the mayor was not being singled out in the investigation of local government units (LGUs).

“If we see a possible violation, then they will be invited to the NBI. In respect to their positions, we invite them to the NBI to shed light [on] why they deviated or [were] not in consonance with the national policies,” said Lavin.

He added: “There is no politics here… This is purely in relation to Bayanihan Heal as One Act. You will notice before we were also very active in relation to the COVID-19 situation. We are also very active in violations of the Price Act… and Consumer Act [by] going against profiteers.”

Asked if the NBI was also investigating Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III for accompanying his pregnant wife to Makati Medical Center while awaiting the results of his COVID-19 test, Lavin said, “I am not privy to other investigation details being conducted by AGD.”

Pimentel incurred the ire of the medical community for possibly putting at risk several hospital personnel after he tested positive.

—With a report from Matthew Reysio-Cruz